Watersport equipment carrier

ABSTRACT

A watersport equipment carrier configured to be mounted on a vehicle includes an elongate base having a longitudinal axis extending in an elongate direction and a plurality of support pads coupled to the base. A first pad and a second pad are spaced by a channel and configured to receive watersport equipment. A securement strap having a first end portion is coupled to the base and a locking mechanism is configured to releasably secure a second end portion of the securement strap.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.14/991,671, filed Jan. 8, 2016, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 14/807,774, filed Jul. 23, 2015, which is acontinuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 13/810,789, filed Jan. 17,2013 (371(c) date of Jun. 4, 2013), now U.S. Pat. No. 9,126,540, whichis a National Stage Application of International Application No.PCT/US2011/045944, filed Jul. 29, 2011, which claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/369,475, filed Jul. 30, 2010, thedisclosures of which are hereby expressly incorporated herein byreference in their entireties.

FIELD OF THE TECHNOLOGY

The present disclosure relates generally to a locking surfboard carrier.More specifically, the present disclosure relates to a locking surfboardcarrier for transporting one or more water sport board devices such assurfboards, parasail boards and the like.

BACKGROUND OF THE TECHNOLOGY

Safely transporting sports gear is a concern for many sport enthusiasts.For example, transporting a surfboard in a trunk raises many safetyconcerns. In the event that the surfboard falls out of the trunk, notonly can the surfboard be damaged, but the surfboard can cause bodilyharm or property damage as vehicles attempt to avoid the fallensurfboard. In addition, security of the surfboard can be an issue inthat the surfboard may be stolen from an open trunk of a vehicle.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Implementations of the present application will now be described, by wayof example only, with reference to the attached figures, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a surfboard carrier in accordance withan example embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a left side perspective view showing a bottom hinge of asurfboard carrier in accordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 3 is a right side perspective view showing a bottom hinge of asurfboard carrier in accordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a surfboard carrier coupled to a crossbar in accordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a surfboard carrier securing two surfingdevices in accordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of a surfboard carrier in accordance with anexample embodiment;

FIG. 6A is a top plan view of a surfboard carrier in accordance with anexample embodiment;

FIG. 6B is a cut away view of a surfboard carrier in accordance with anexample embodiment;

FIG. 6C is a detailed view of a surfboard carrier in accordance with anexample embodiment;

FIG. 6D is a cut away view of a surfboard carrier in accordance with anexample embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a surfboard carrier in accordance withan example embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a surfboard carrier securing a singlesurfboard in accordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a surfboard carrier securing two surfingdevices in accordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of two surfboard carriers attached to avehicle in accordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a surfboard carrier in accordance withan example embodiment;

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a surfboard carrier in an openconfiguration in accordance with an example embodiment;

FIG. 13 is a side view of a surfboard carrier in an open configurationin accordance with an example embodiment; and

FIG. 14 illustrates a locking portion in accordance with an exampleembodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration,where appropriate, reference numerals have been repeated among thedifferent figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. Inaddition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide athorough understanding of the implementations described herein. However,it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that theimplementations described herein can be practiced without these specificdetails. In other instances, methods, procedures and components have notbeen described in detail so as not to obscure the related relevantfunction being described. Also, the description is not to be consideredas limiting the scope of the implementations described herein.

Generally speaking, the surf carriers of the various example embodimentsdescribed herein have a base with one or more pads on which a firstwater sport board device (generically referred to herein as “surfboard”)can rest on top of the one or more pads, a middle arm having one or morepads on a top surface and one or more pads on the bottom surface inwhich a second surfing device can rest on top of the one or more pads onthe top surface of the middle arm, and a strap coupled to the base;e.g., via a hinge, with the strap securing the first surfing device andthe second surfing device to the base. The strap can be locked to thebase, thereby securing one or more surfing devices and preventingunauthorized access to the one or more surfing devices.

Referring to FIG. 1, a perspective view of a surfboard carrier inaccordance with an example implementation is illustrated. As shown, thesurfboard carrier 100 can include a left base 103 and a right base 104.The right base 103 or main base 103 and the left base 104 or slidingbase 104 collectively constitute elongate base 102 and can be slidinglycoupled to one another with one or both bases 103, 104 being capable ofsliding. In one or more embodiments, the main base 103 and sliding base104 can be a single piece or can be multiple pieces. The surfboardcarrier 100 can include an inner middle pad 106 and an outer middle pad108. In one or more embodiments, the inner middle pad 106 and the outermiddle pad 108 can be a single piece or can be multiple pieces. Theinner middle pad 106 and outer middle pad 108 can be coupled to, andtogether constitute a middle arm 110 or securement arm 110. Both of theinner middle pad 106 and outer middle pad 108 can be slidingly coupledto the middle arm 110.

The surfboard carrier 100 can include a hinge 112 pivotally coupled at afirst end 122 to the base 102 at a hinge-end 118 of the carrier 100. Oneend of a strap 114 can be coupled to the hinge 112 at an anchor end 120of the strap 114. The strap 114 can be used to secure a surfing device(not shown) such as a surfboard or a wind surfing board or the like tothe surfboard carrier 100. As shown in FIG. 1, the surfboard carrier 100can be in a transport position or locked position with the free end ofthe strap 114 secured to the right base 104. The base 102 can beconfigured with one or more upper support surfaces 116 enabled toreceive a surfboard.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 3, left and right perspective views of thesurfboard carrier with the hinge 112 in an extended position inaccordance with an example embodiment, respectively, are illustrated. Asshown, the hinge 112 can be extended upwards from the elongate base 102allowing space for a surfing device (not shown) to reside between themiddle pads 106, 108 and the base 102; e.g., the main base 103 and thesliding base 104. The upper support surfaces 116 of the base can includeone or more pads having an engagement surface 200 configured to receivea surfboard. The hinge-end 118 of the carrier 100 can be coupled to astrap 114, the strap having a distal end 300 which can be passed througha locking mechanism on the base 102 in order to secure at least onesurfboard to a vehicle. As shown in these figures, the sliding base 104can be configured to adjustably slide away from the main base 103 toaccommodate a surfing device (not shown). Similarly, the outer middlepad 108 and inner middle pad 106 can also be separated to accommodate asurfing device (not shown). The sliding capability of the sliding base104 and of the outer middle pad 108 can allow the surfboard carrier 100to accommodate surfing devices having different widths. Similarly, thesliding capability of the securement arm support pads 106, 108 can allowthe surfboard carrier 100 to accommodate surfing devices havingdifferent widths and thicknesses. As a result, the surfboard carrier 100can secure two surfing devices having the same or different widths andthicknesses. Hence, the surfboard carrier 100 can be a universal surfdevice carrier.

Referring to FIG. 4, a perspective view of a surfboard carrier coupledto a cross bar attached to a vehicle (not shown) in accordance with anexample embodiment is illustrated. As shown, the surfboard carrier 100can be coupled to one or more mounting feet 402 with each mounting foot402 being coupled to a cross bar 404. In use, a first surfboard carrier100 can be coupled to a first cross bar 404 and a second surfboardcarrier 100 can be coupled to a second cross bar 404. When securing asurfboard, the strap can be releasably locked by a locking mechanismnear a distal end 408 away from the hinge-end 118 of the carrier 100.Each of the mounting feet 402 can include a locking device (not shown)to lock the mounting foot 402 to a cross bar 404. In one or moreembodiments, the surfboard carrier 100 can be coupled directly to across bar 404.

Referring to FIG. 5, a perspective view of a surfboard carrier securingtwo surfing devices in accordance with an example embodiment isillustrated. FIG. 5 represents an example of a transport or lockedposition or configuration of a carrier. As shown, a first surfing device502 (surfboard shown as a partial view) can be secured on top of theelongate base 102 and a second surfing device 504 (shown as a partialview) can be secured on top of the securement arm 110. The first surfingdevice 502 can rest against an engagement surface 200 at the undersideof the arm 110. The strap 114 can extend over the second surfing device502 and can be coupled to the surfboard carrier 100 at a distal end 408of the carrier 100.

Referring to FIG. 6, an exploded view of the surfboard carrier inaccordance with an example embodiment is illustrated. As shown, thesurfboard carrier 100 can comprise an elongate base 102. A sliding base104 can be slidingly coupled with a main base 103. In one or moreembodiments, one or both of the main base 103 and sliding base 104 canslide. In yet other embodiments, neither base 103, 104 can slide. Asshown, the main base 103 can comprise a tray 606 and extended walls 608.The tray 606 and extended walls 608 can be one piece or multiple pieces.Walls of the tray 606 can form a cavity 610. A base insert 612 can beinserted into the cavity 610 of the main base 103. One or morefasteners, including but not limited to, screws or glue, can couple orfasten the insert to the main base 103. The base insert 612 can includeone or more detents 614 and a curved portion 616. The main base 103,sliding base 104, tray 606, extended walls 608, and base insert 612 canbe made of, but not limited to, a hard plastic.

The sliding base 104 can include extended side walls 618. The slidingbase 104 can include a curved portion 620. The curved portions 616, 620can conform to the shape of a surfing device. The curved portions 616,620 can be configured to receive one or more base pads 622. As shown,there are four base pads; e.g., two base pads 622 for the main base 103and two base pads 122 for the sliding base 104. Each base pad 622 can bemade of, but not limited to, rubber or foam or other suitable material.Each base pad 622 can comprise an engagement surface 200 for engaging asurfboard. The base pads 622 and the curved portions 616, 620 caninclude male and female connectors to secure the base pads 622 to thecorresponding curved portion 616, 620. Each base pad 622 can be coupledor fastened to a corresponding curved portion 616, 620 using one or morefasteners, such as but not limited to, screws or glue. In one or moreembodiments, the base pad 618 and curved portion 616 can be one piece.The extended walls 608, 618 and base pads 622 can be approximately thesame height such that a surfing device can be supported evenly orsubstantially evenly on the base pads 622.

A base button 624 can be pivotally coupled to the sliding base 104. Forexample, the base button 624 can include a button channel 626 forreceiving a button pin (not shown) which can be coupled to the extendedwalls 618 of the sliding base 104. The base button 624 can include oneor more extending flanges 628 configured to be received in one or morecorresponding detents 614 of the main base 103. When one or more of theextending flanges 628 of the base button 624 are received in one or morecorresponding detents 614 of the main base 103, the sliding base 104 islocked in place and can no longer slide. When the base button 624 ispressed, the extending flanges 628 of the base button 624 can disconnector unlock from one or more of the corresponding detents 614 of the mainbase 103 allowing the sliding base 104 to slide toward or away from themain base 103. In one or more embodiments, the extending flanges 628 cancomprise one or more detents configured to engage one or more indents inthe main base 103 and thereby operate to releasably connect the slidingbase 104 to the main base 103. In one or more embodiments, the slidingbase 104 can have a top surface (not shown) with the base button 624being flush with the top surface. In one or more embodiments, thedetents 614 and base button 621 can be located on the other side; e.g.,on the sliding base 104 and the main base 103, respectively. In one ormore embodiments, other controllers for controlling the sliding of themain base 103 and sliding base 104 can be used.

The sliding base 104 can include a locking portion 632. The lockingportion 632 can comprise a lock 634 and strap restraining components.The lock 634 can include a lock cylinder housing 636 and a key 638 forlocking the surfboard carrier 100. The lock cylinder housing 636 can bereceived, fully or partially, in a strap catch 640. If the lock cylinderhousing 636 is only partially received in the strap catch 640, the restof the lock cylinder housing 636 can be received within the sliding base104 and/or in the locking portion 632 of the sliding base 104. The strapcatch 640 can be pivotally coupled to a side of the sliding base 104.For example, the strap catch 640 can include a pin channel 642 at aboutone distal end to receive a lock pin (not shown) to pivotally couple thestrap catch 640 to the sliding base 104. In the locked position, thestrap catch 640 can be flush with the side of the sliding base 104. Inthe unlocked position, the strap catch 640 can pivot away from the sideof the sliding base 104. The other end of the strap catch 640; e.g., theend opposite the end with the pin channel 642, can include a strap doorflange 642. The strap door flange 642 can assist in securing a strapdoor 644 when the strap catch 640 is in the locked position. The strapdoor 644 can include an extended end 646 at about one distal end. Theextended end 646 and strap door flange 642 can interact securing thestrap door 644 to the locking portion 632 of the sliding base 104. Atthe opposite end of the strap door 644; e.g., the end opposite theextended end 646, a strap door channel 648 can be included for pivotallyconnecting the strap door 644 to the locking portion 632 of the slidingbase 104 via a pin (not shown). The strap door 644 can be pivotallycoupled to the side or end of the locking portion 632 of the slidingbase 104. In the locked position, the strap door 644 can be flush withthe locking portion 632 of the sliding base 104. In the unlockedposition, the strap door 644 can pivot away from the end of the lockingportion 632 of the sliding base 104.

The locking portion 632 can include a strap cam 650. The strap cam 650can be coupled to the locking portion 632; e.g., in an indent 652 formedin the locking portion 632. One or more cam flanges 654 or teeth can beon a surface of the strap cam 650. The one or more cam flanges 654 canassist in securing a strap 114. For example, the strap 114 can be placedin the indent 652 of the locking portion 632 and when the strap door 644is in the locked position, friction can assist in securing the strap 114against the cam flanges 654, “locking” or securing the strap 114 inplace. The sliding base 104 can include a plate 630 coupled to thebottom of the sliding base 104. One or more fasteners, including but notlimited to, screws and glue, can couple or fasten the plate 630 to thebottom of the sliding base 104. The plate 630 can include a retainingcomponent (not shown) to assist in retaining the strap 114. In one ormore embodiments, other locking systems can be used to lock the strap114 in place and prevent unauthorized access to the strap 114.

The locking portion 632 can include a cap 658 to cover the lockingportion 632. The cap 658 can assist in preventing foreign matter, suchas dirt, from entering the locking portion 632. The cap 658 can form astrap receiving portion 660 to allow the strap 114 to rest on (and/orguide the strap 114) the strap receiving portion 660. The cap 658 caninclude mating components configured to interact with mating componentson the locking portion 632 to secure the cap 658 to the locking portion632. In one or more embodiments, other fasteners, including but notlimited to, screws or glue, can be used to secure the cap 658 to thelocking portion 632. The locking portion 632 and cap 658 can be made of,but not limited to, a hard plastic. The locking cylinder housing 636,key 638, strap catch 640, strap door flange 642, strap door 644,extended end 646, and strap cam 650 can be made of, but not limited to,steel or hard metal.

The surfboard carrier 100 can include a bottom hinge 662 pivotallycoupled to the main base 103. For example, the bottom hinge 662 (e.g.112) can include apertures 664 and the extended walls 618 of the mainbase 103 can include apertures 666 to receive a connector 668 to couplethe bottom hinge 662 to the main base 103. The apertures 664 of thebottom hinge 662 can be located proximate opposite, distal ends of thebottom hinge 662. The bottom hinge 662 can be made of, but is notlimited to, a hard plastic. The connector 668 can be, but is not limitedto a rod, a spring, pins, or a combination thereof. A reinforcing member670, such as a u-shaped metal stamping, can be used to assist insecuring the bottom hinge 662 to the main base 103. The reinforcingmember 670 can include apertures 672 to receive the connector 668. Atthe other distal end of the bottom hinge 662; e.g., the end opposite thedistal end 122 with the apertures 664, a middle arm 674 can be fixedlycoupled. For example, a pin (not shown) can fasten the middle arm 674(e.g. 110) or securement arm 674 (e.g. 110) to the bottom hinge 662. Thebottom hinge 662 can pivot in several positions including a transportposition and an extended position.

The middle arm 674 can be made of, but is not limited to, a hardplastic. In the transport position, the bottom hinge 662 can be in alowered position e.g., with the middle arm 674 in a horizontal or nearhorizontal position with respect to the main base 103 and sliding base104. In the extended position, the bottom hinge 662 can be in a raisedposition; e.g., with the middle arm 674 in a vertical or near verticalposition with respect to the main base 103 and sliding base 104. Usingone or more detents (not shown) and one or more springs (not shown), thebottom hinge 662 can remain in a particular configuration; e.g., lockedin place. By applying pressure to the middle arm 674, the bottom hinge662 can pivot; e.g., unlocked. In one or more embodiments, the bottomhinge 662 and the middle arm 674 can be one or more multiple pieces. Oneend of strap 114 can be fixedly coupled to the bottom hinge 662 or tothe main base 103. The other end of the strap 114 can be inserted intoor through the locking portion 632. In one or more embodiments, theother end of the strap 114; e.g., the end not coupled to the bottomhinge 662, can include a restraining device (not shown) which preventsthe strap 114 from detaching from the locking portion 632. For example,the restraining device of the strap 114 can interact with therestraining component of the plate 630 to prevent the strap 114 fromdisconnecting from the surfboard carrier 100. The strap 114 can be madeof, but is not limited to, nylon, and can include a steel cable coveredby the material; e.g., nylon. The bottom hinge 662 can include an upperhinge pad 676. The bottom surface of the upper hinge pad 676 can conformto the shape of a surfing device. The bottom surface of the upper hingepad 676 can be made of, but not limited to, rubber or foam. The rest ofthe upper hinge pad 676 can be made of, but not limited to, a hardplastic.

One or more pads can be coupled to the middle arm 674. As shown, middlepads 678, 680 are slidingly coupled to the middle arm 676. In one ormore embodiments, one or both of the middle pads 678, 680 can slide. Inyet other embodiments, neither middle pad 678, 680 can slide. The middlepads 678, 680 can slide toward or away from each other to accommodate asurfing device (not shown). The sliding capability of the middle pads678, 680 can allow the surfboard carrier 100 to accommodate surfingdevices having different widths. The top portions of the fixed middlepad 678 and of the sliding middle pad 680 can conform to the shape of asurfing device. The top portions of the middle pads 678, 680 can formone or more channels 682 to receive the strap 114. The bottom portionsof the middle pads 678, 680 can have various shapes, including but notlimited to, substantially flat, or have one or more protrusions toassist in securing the surfing device in place. As shown, each middlepad 678, 680 is one piece, however in one or more embodiments, eachmiddle pad 678, 680 can be multiple pieces and can be coupled to themiddle arm 674 using various coupling means. Each middle pad 678, 680can be made of, but not limited to, rubber or foam.

Referring to FIG. 6A, a top plan view of a surfboard carrier 100 inaccordance with an example embodiment is illustrated. A base button isshown within a button channel 626 in the sliding base 104. Base padengagement surfaces 200 are coupled to the sliding base 104 and theelongate base 104. An end 300 of the strap is shown in a channel on thesecurement arm 110. The bottoms of the pads on the securement arm 110have engagement surfaces 692 which can engage the surface of a surfboardwhen the surfboard carrier 100 is in a closed configuration.

Referring to FIG. 6B, a cutaway view of a surfboard carrier 100 inaccordance with an example embodiment is illustrated. An example of aninterconnection 686 between a support pad and a base is depicted. A padcan be configured with male connectors corresponding with femaleconnectors in a base. A pad can comprise a tongue 688 running along asubstantial length of the pad configured to be received by acorresponding groove 690 in the base. FIG. 6C illustrates a detailedview of the base illustrated in FIG. 6B, showing the location of grooves690 within the base configured to receive a tongue 688 of a pad. FIG. 6Dillustrates a see-through view of the surfboard carrier 100 illustratedin FIG. 6A, depicting the relationship between support pads 622 andreceiving portions of the base 102, 104.

Referring to FIG. 7, a perspective view of an alternate surfboardcarrier in accordance with an example embodiment is illustrated. Thealternate surfboard carrier 700 of FIG. 7 is similar to the surfboardcarrier 100 of FIG. 1 and FIG. 6 and includes a different means tosecure a second surfing device to the surfboard carrier 700. As shown,the surfboard carrier 700 can include a top arm 702. A top hinge 704 canbe coupled to the top arm 702 at one end and can be coupled to thebottom hinge 662 at the other end. The top arm 702 and top hinge 704 canbe made of, but not limited to, a hard plastic. The top arm 702 caninclude a top arm pad 706 on the bottom surface of the top arm 702. Thetop arm pad 706 can be made of, but not limited to, rubber or foam. Asshown, the surfboard carrier 700 is in a transport position. In thetransport position, the bottom hinge 662 can be in a lowered position;e.g., with the middle arm 674 in a horizontal or near horizontalposition with respect to the main base 103 and sliding base 104 and thetop hinge 704 can be in a lowered position; e.g., with the top arm 702in a horizontal or near horizontal position with respect to the middlearm 674. In an extended position, the top hinge 704 can be in a raisedposition; e.g., with the top arm 702 in a vertical or near verticalposition with respect to the main base 103 and sliding base 104. Usingone or more detents (not shown) and one or more springs (not shown), thetop hinge 704 can remain in place; e.g., be locked in place. By applyingpressure to the middle arm 674, the top hinge 704 can pivot; e.g., beunlocked.

In one or more embodiments, the top hinge 704 and the top arm 702 can beone or more multiple pieces. A strap (not shown) can be fixedly coupledto the top hinge 704 or to the top arm 702. For example, one end of thestrap can be fixedly coupled to the top arm 702 and can be covered bythe top arm pad 706. The strap can be made from a material, such as, butnot limited to, nylon, and can include a steel cable covered by thematerial. The top hinge 704 can include a top hinge pad (not shown). Thebottom surface of the top hinge pad can conform to the shape of asurfing device. The bottom surface of the top hinge pad can be made of,but not limited to, rubber or foam. The rest of the top hinge pad, e.g.,not the bottom surface, can be made of, but not limited to a hardplastic.

Referring to FIG. 8, a perspective view of the alternate surfboardcarrier securing a single surfing device in accordance with an exampleembodiment is illustrated. As shown, a surfing device; e.g., 802, (shownas a partial view) is secured on top of the main base 103 and thesliding base 104. As shown, the top hinge 704 is in the transportposition and the bottom hinge 662 is in the extended position. In thisfigure, the middle arm 676 includes a different middle pad compared tothe middle pads 678, 680 shown in FIG. 6. A partial strap 804 is shownas being locked in the locking portion 632. The top arm 702 can extendover the middle arm 674 and a strap 804 can be coupled to the surfboardcarrier 800.

Referring to FIG. 9, a perspective view of the alternate surfboardcarrier securing two surfing devices in accordance with an exampleembodiment is illustrated. As shown, a first surfing device 902 (shownas a partial view) can be secured on top of the main base 103 and thesliding base 104 and a second surfing device 904 (shown as a partialview) can be secured on top of a middle pad. As shown, the top hinge 704is in the extended position and the bottom hinge 662 is in the extendedposition. In this figure, the middle arm 676 includes a different middlepad compared to the middle pads 678, 680 shown in FIG. 6. A partialstrap 804 is shown as being locked in the locking portion 632. The toparm 702 can extend over the second surfing device 502 and the strap 804can be coupled to the surfboard carrier 900.

Referring to FIG. 10, a perspective view of two surfboard carriersinstalled on a vehicle in accordance with an example embodiment isillustrated. The example carriers 100 are each in an installedorientation 1000. The straps are coupled at a hinge-end 118 of thecarrier. The carriers are in unlocked positions because the ends 300 ofthe straps have not been passed through a locking mechanism on thecarrier 100.

Referring to FIG. 11, a perspective view of a surfboard carrier inaccordance with an example embodiment is illustrated. An anchor end 120of a strap 114 is coupled to a hinge-end 118 of carrier 100. A portionof the strap is contained within sheaths 1102. The sheaths 1102 can beadjustably slid along the strap 114 in order to accommodate differentsized surfboards just as upper support pads can be slid along thesecurement arm 110 and the sliding base 104 can be slid along the mainbase 103. Sheaths 1102 can be made of soft plastic or rubber or othersuitable material. Sheaths 1102 can enable the strap 114 to betterretain a surfboard placed on the securement arm 110 when the carrier 100is in a locked configuration 500.

Referring to FIG. 12, a perspective view of a surfboard carrier in anopen configuration in accordance with an example embodiment isillustrated. The upper pads 106, 108 or middle pads 106, 108 orsecurement pads 106, 108 comprise raised engagement portions 1206, 1208.Raised engagement portions 1206, 1208 are configured to engage thesurface of a surfboard and can enable the securement arm 110 to bettersecure a surfboard beneath the securement arm 110 when the surfboardcarrier 100 is in a transportation configuration.

As described above, at least one example embodiment of a surfboardcarrier is a variably configurable surfboard carrier 100 adapted to bemounted on a carrying vehicle. The surfboard carrier 100 can comprise anelongate base 102 having a longitudinal axis and configured to receive asurfboard upon an upper support surface 116 of the base 102. The base102 can be approximately horizontally oriented when in an installedorientation 1000. The surfboard carrier 100 can also comprise asurfboard securement arm 110, 674 which has a longitudinal axis. Thesecurement arm 110, 674 can be coupled to the elongate base 102 and canbe placed in multiple positions relative to the base 102 on adisplacement hinge 112 that accommodates variable location andorientation of the securement arm 110, 674 relative to the base 102. Thedisplacement hinge 112 can have an elongate extension body 662 having afirst end 122 which is pivotally coupled to the base 102, and anopposite distal end 684 pivotally coupled to the securement arm 110, 674or middle arm.

The surfboard carrier 100 has a first transport configuration forsupporting and securing a surfboard of a first thickness between thebase 102 and securement arm 110, 674 wherein the longitudinal axis ofthe securement arm 110, 674 is located at a first distance above thebase 102 and is oriented approximately parallel to the longitudinal axisof the base 102 and a second transport configuration for supporting andsecuring a surfboard of a second thickness, which is greater than thefirst thickness, between the base 102 and securement arm 110, 674wherein the longitudinal axis of the securement arm 110, 674 is locatedat a second distance, greater than the first distance, above the base102 and is oriented approximately parallel to the longitudinal axis ofthe base 102.

As may be best appreciated referring to FIGS. 10 and 11 together, theelongate base 102 has a longitudinal axis 722 that is coincident with anx-axis of a three-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system of the base102 that has its origin located at the centroid 721 of the base 102. Asillustrated, the centroid 721 is located mid-length, mid-width andmid-height of the base 102, where each is measured from opposite extremeexterior surfaces of the base 102. The longitudinal axis 722 of the base102 is approximately horizontally oriented (within fifteen degrees orhorizontal) in the installed orientation 1000 depicted in FIGS. 10 and11, and in which the y-axis of the Cartesian coordinate system of thebase 102 is approximately vertically oriented (within fifteen degrees orvertical). Similarly, a surfboard securement arm 110, 674 is shown thathas a longitudinal axis 742 that is coincident with an x-axis of athree-dimensional Cartesian coordinate system of the securement arm 110,674 and that has its origin located at the centroid 741 of thesecurement arm 110, 674 defined as described above with respect to thebase 102. The longitudinal axis 742 of the securement arm 110, 674 issimilarly approximately horizontally oriented (within fifteen degrees orhorizontal) in the installed orientation 1000 of FIGS. 10 and 11 whereinthe y-axis of the Cartesian coordinate system of the securement arm 110,674 is approximately vertically oriented (within fifteen degrees orvertical). It should be appreciated that the installed orientation isillustrated in FIGS. 10 and 11, and is established as if the carrier 100were mounted upon an approximately horizontally oriented load (cross)bar of a roof-top rack system (see FIG. 10). It is not, however,required that the carrier 100 be installed upon a vehicle in order tofall within the scope of the appended claims which merely position thecarrier 100 in this described orientation for assessing the limitationsrecited therein.

At least one example embodiment of a surfboard carrier 100 comprises anelongate base 102 having a longitudinal axis and a plurality of supportpads 622 mounted on the elongate base 102. Each pad 622 can include anengagement surface 200 configured for abutting engagement with asurfboard. At least one of the plurality of support pads 622 can beslidingly coupled to the elongate base 102 and lengthwise laterallytranslatable upon the elongate base for accommodating different sizedsurfboards.

At least one example embodiment of a surfboard carrier 100 comprises asecurement strap 114 coupled to an elongate base 102, a securement arm110, 674 or a hinge 112 at a hinge-end 118 of the carrier 100 by ananchor end 120 of the strap 114. A distal end of the securement strap114 can be releasably lockable at a distal end 408 of the carrier 100,opposite the hinge-end 118, to the base 102 or the arm 110, 674 or thebase 102 and the arm 110, 674, for securing a surfboard atop thesecurement arm 110, 674 in a locked configuration 500 of the carrier100.

Example implementations have been described hereinabove regardingvarious example embodiments of a variably configurable surfboardcarrier. The example embodiments are intended to constitute non-limitingexamples. The subject matter that is intended to be within thisdisclosure is set forth in the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A watersport equipment carrier configured to bemounted on a vehicle, the watersport equipment carrier comprising: anelongate base having a longitudinal axis extending in an elongatedirection; a plurality of support pads coupled to the base, wherein afirst pad and a second pad are spaced by a channel and configured toreceive watersport equipment; a securement strap having a first endportion coupled to the base; and a locking mechanism configured toreleasably secure a second end portion of the securement strap, whereinthe channel is disposed in the elongate base parallel to thelongitudinal axis of the elongate base.
 2. The watersport equipmentcarrier of claim 1, further comprising a pair of mounting feetconfigured to couple the base to a cross bar on the vehicle.
 3. Thewatersport equipment carrier of claim 1, further comprising a releasemechanism configured to release the second end portion of the securementstrap from the locking mechanism.
 4. The watersport equipment carrier ofclaim 3, wherein the release mechanism is disposed at a distal end ofthe base.
 5. The watersport equipment carrier of claim 1, wherein thelocking mechanism is disposed at a first end portion of the base.
 6. Thewatersport equipment carrier of claim 5, wherein the locking mechanismcomprises a cam.
 7. The watersport equipment carrier of claim 1, whereinthe strap is coupled to the base between the first pad and the secondpad.
 8. The watersport equipment carrier of claim 1, wherein the strapis configured to be disposed in the channel.
 9. The watersport equipmentcarrier of claim 1, wherein the first end portion of the strap iscoupled to the base by a connector.
 10. The watersport equipment carrierof claim 9, wherein the connector comprises a pin.
 11. The watersportequipment carrier of claim 9, wherein a distance between the connectorand the locking mechanism is adjustable.
 12. The watersport equipmentcarrier of claim 1, wherein the base comprises a curved portion, andwherein the first and second pads are contoured with the curved portion.13. The watersport equipment carrier of claim 1, wherein the first andsecond pads each comprise a single piece extending in the elongatedirection of the base.
 14. The watersport equipment carrier of claim 1,wherein the channel extends along an entire length of the first andsecond pads.
 15. The watersport equipment carrier of claim 1, whereinthe first and second pads comprise rubber or foam.
 16. The watersportequipment carrier of claim 1, wherein the watersport equipment carrieris configured to carry a surfboard.
 17. A watersport equipment carrierconfigured to be mounted on a vehicle, the watersport equipment carriercomprising: an elongate base having a longitudinal axis extending in anelongate direction; a pair of continuous parallel support pads coupledto the elongate base having a channel disposed between the pads, whereinthe channel is defined by first and second opposing walls extending fromthe elongate base; a securement strap having a first end portion coupledto a connector disposed between the pads; a locking mechanism disposedin a housing at an end portion of the base and configured to releasablysecure a second end portion of the securement strap; a release mechanismcomprising an external surface disposed at least partially outside ofthe housing; and at least one mounting foot configured to couple thebase to a cross bar on the vehicle.
 18. The watersport equipment carrierof claim 17, wherein the base is configured to accommodate boards havingdifferent widths.
 19. The watersport equipment carrier of claim 17,further comprising a lock coupled to the housing configured to preventactuation of the release mechanism when the lock is in a lockedposition.
 20. A watersport equipment carrier configured to be mounted ona vehicle, the watersport equipment carrier comprising: an elongate basehaving an upper surface configured to receive watersport equipment, alocking portion, and a longitudinal axis extending in an elongatedirection; a first mounting foot and a second mounting foot configuredto couple the base to a cross bar on the vehicle; a securement straphaving an anchored end and a free end, wherein the anchored end iscoupled to the base; a locking mechanism coupled to the locking portionof the base and configured to releasably secure the free end of thestrap to the base, wherein the locking mechanism is disposed below theupper surface of the base and above the first mounting foot and thesecond mounting foot, wherein the free end of the strap passes throughthe locking mechanism in a locked configuration; and a release mechanismconfigured to release the strap from the locked configuration, whereinthe longitudinal axis passes through at least one of the lockingmechanism and the release mechanism.
 21. The watersport equipmentcarrier of claim 20, wherein the longitudinal axis is a centrallongitudinal axis and passes through the locking mechanism and therelease mechanism.
 22. The watersport equipment carrier of claim 20,wherein the release mechanism is disposed below the upper surface of thebase and above the first mounting foot and the second mounting foot. 23.The watersport equipment carrier of claim 20, wherein the first mountingfoot is disposed between a midpoint of the base and a first endmostportion of the base, and wherein the second mounting foot is disposedbetween the midpoint of the base and a second endmost portion of thebase opposite the first endmost portion of the base.